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I can’t talk now, I’m busy with my Ornamental Garden Trellis

The Ornamental Garden Trellis is my new best friend. We’re spending a lot of time together while she helps me plan my summer garden design.

Six-feet tall, broad-shouldered (32”) and lovely, she’s not just a pretty face but a strong garden assistant.

Going plant shopping with the Ornamental Trellis is such fun. She volunteers to stand in the sun or the shade, and looks good in any color.

With her on my team I feel liberated–free from worrying about what USDA hardiness zone I live in.

No, I’m not delusional, I’m waking up to the fact that the warm season is right around the corner, bringing me at least five months of frost-free weather.

I can plant whatever tender vine my horticultural heart desires and the Ornamental Trellis promises to support my choice in any spot in the garden. I can lift her myself and she has 12” stakes to keep her steady where I place her.

Spoiled for choice, I’m focusing on tender vines for full sun. The three finalists:

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) has round, white flowers that open as the sun sets. Perfect for the white garden next to the deck where we sit on summer evenings.

‘Heavenly Blue’ morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor or Ipomoea purpurea) is a true blue that would be a fun morning shot of color at the back of my blue border.

Cup and saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) is the most dramatic vine on this list. The cup-shaped flowers open cream and turn purple, with wavy stamens. Ideal as a vertical accent near our front door.

I could start any of these from seeds, but this year I’ll go for instant gratification and buy a vine at the garden center. With that head start I’ll get earlier blooms. Which is the whole point of these vines.

Through the seasons

Moonflower and morning glory vines are annuals and die at the end of summer.

If you live in a frost-free climate, cup and saucer vine will be a perennial. If it snows in your neighborhood then this vine is one of the fleeting joys of summer, to be savored each warm day.